Everybody knows that you don't take coal to Newcastle. Well certainly not when the saying was first coined you didn't - Newcastle was a main port for the whole of the vast north east coalfield, so it didn't need anymore! But what's that got to do with a painting of some sheep? All will be revealed. The painting was inspired by an early evening stroll through Blackgate woods near Easingwold in North Yorkshire. It had been a hot day and we were enjoying the shade from the trees. Of course we were not the only ones. The sheep too were enjoying a respite from the heat. At the time I had a small studio/gallery in Easingwold so the painting was displayed for sale . A lady came in and bought it for a good price so naturally I was very pleased. She explained that she was emigrating to New Zealand in a few weeks time and would be taking the painting with her. Now as far as I know New Zealand has more sheep than people so I laughingly suggested it was a bit like 'taking coal to Newcastle'. "Ah. but," she replied, " these are Yorkshire sheep and every time I look at them I'll be reminded of where I come from." So a touching story and I hope it has given her very many happy memories of God's own county.